Azcona: Churches, Palace and Trails

You can plan your trip to Azcona around two distinct themes: historic buildings and trails through the landscape. Churches, a basilica and the Palacio de Azcona showcase different architectural styles and periods; the route through the Barranco de Erendazu adds a hiking theme to your visit. If you’re looking for a hotel in Azcona, you can decide which of these themes best matches your interests during your stay.

Churches and architectural history

The former parish church of San Martín was built in the early 13th century in the Proto-Gothic style, with Cistercian influences. Its portal features a pointed arch with three archivolts and a Chrismon at the apex. Archivolts are the stepped arch mouldings surrounding the entrance; a Chrismon is a symbol of Christ in the upper part of the arch.

The Palacio de Azcona stands opposite the church and dates from the 17th century. It is built of dressed stone. Its two sections and attic form small cubic turrets on both sides; there are also coats of arms from the 19th century. The building therefore offers details from different periods to observe: it dates from the 17th century, while the coats of arms are from the 19th century.

The Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Mendigaña originated as a medieval chapel, which was demolished in the early 18th century. The interior vaults are covered with elaborate plant-themed stuccowork reminiscent of the style of Juan Ángel Nagusia and his circle. The portal of Santa Catalina de Alejandría dates from around 1200; it is pointed, unadorned and designed in the Cistercian style.

A carving of Saint Catherine of Alexandria is kept in the parish church of Azcona; an art-historical assessment from November 2024 classifies it as Romanesque. An appointment must be made in advance for a guided tour of Santa Catalina de Alejandría. Check the current arrangements before travelling, before making firm plans for the tour.

Trails and landscape

The route through the Barranco de Erendazu starts on the road between Arizala and Azcona, before the entrance to Azcona, and follows the entire ravine. This specifies both a starting point and the route through the ravine. If you’d like to plan your trip around hiking, this route offers a specific way to experience the landscape.

Another route to the Roman viaduct follows the Pasada de los Carboneros. This forms part of the Cañada Real Tauste-Andía, a historic livestock trail. The focus here is on the path to the viaduct and its connection to a named historic route.

The remains of the settlement of Arrastia lie in a clearing with large holm oaks. Each place offers a different theme: the Barranco route passes through a ravine, the Pasada connects to a historic trail, and Arrastia features settlement remains in a landscape with mature trees. This may help you decide whether to focus your stay on architectural history, a described walking route, or the connection between settlement remains and landscape.

Discover more destinations: Marcilla, Muruzábal, Urroz, Mendigorría, Corella, Ochagavía, San Adrián, Los Arcos

For the broader travel overview: Navarra.